STEM Education-Outreach Coordinator - ERWM

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement #

2025-353:

Issue Date:

12-01-25:

Closing Date:

12-12-25:

STEM Education/Outreach Coordinator Environmental Restoration Waste Management (ERWM) Department of Natural Resources Hourly Wage: $26.94-$30.32/Regular/Full-Time Location: Yakima

This position serves as the STEM Education/Outreach Coordinator for ERWM program and Yakama Nation's interests on cleanup and restoration at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Hanford Nuclear reservation. Follows directions from and works closely with ERWM program management team to develop, implement and design comprehensive learning opportunities for K through 12 and college participants in STEM subjects and career paths The Coordinator will encourage student engagement through development of STEM skills and engagement among diverse populations by implementation of indigenized lessons and hands-on learning that reflect ecological, restoration, traditional and cultural education models to inspire youth to integrate indigenous knowledge with innovation of critical thinking and analysis of environmental issues. Coordinates efforts to improve transfer rates for students in STEM fields, especially minority and other low-income students to strengthen and meet future workforce needs for managing and addressing contamination impacts to Treaty resources by the release of hazardous waste from Hanford. This position will engage community-wide support in providing science learning through community dialogues, relationship building, informal-formal and professional development.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Organize field trips, workshops, presentations, competitions, and extracurricular activities, as well as facilitating internships and partnerships with local businesses and higher education institutions.
• Maintain updates on the latest STEM trends and advancements, integrating new concepts and technologies into the curriculum to keep it current and challenging.
• Coordinate program logistics while fostering working relationships associated with STEM learning, including: Scheduling and organizing regular virtual and in-person meetings, Developing agendas in collaboration with Tribal and Work group leadership, Preparing and distributing materials in advance of meetings, Ensuring follow-up actions are tracked and completed, Maintaining an up-to-date roster of STEM participants.
• Facilitate regular communication and collaboration with schools and tribal programs to deliver and promote a high-level STEM experience.

Professional development comprehensive STEM program with goals and objectives and hands-on activities each year for K-12 and college age groups during fall/spring breaks and Day camps.

• Create and maintain a culture of respect and an environment that mentors and facilitates the achievement of youth development outcomes.

Use social media, flyers, Calendars to market programs and events and encourage regular participation.

• Coordinate STEM presentations and hands-on learning opportunities for participants with all Yakama Nation programs that host community events.
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude in working and development of STEM activities and outcomes.
• Develop and strengthen capacity-building community contacts with local STEM partnerships, formal and informal educators, and cooperating institutions including local elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities and Yakama Nation programs. Facilitates communication between these constituents to generate enthusiasm among youth and adults for environmental and cultural learning.

Challenge youth, teachers and community awareness in indigenous science learning experiences that motivate and increase critical thinking and analysis of environmental issues. This includes increasing awareness of our connection to the land, cultural practices, which include learning from elders, Native language, seasonal practices, storytelling, and religious ties to our land. Develop mentoring relationships with students for the purpose of building confidence, developing pride in their tribal heritage, and addressing areas of challenge. Implement and promote parent participation.

Stay updated on the latest STEM trends and advancements, integrating new concepts and technologies into the curriculum to keep it current and challenging. Works closely with ERWM program to prepare, print and assemble materials for presentation. Identifies opportunities for building and maintaining relationships with tribal, local, state, federal relations, and documenting, tracking contacts, coordinating requests, assisting in meeting planning and arranging site visits within Hanford for educational outreach.

Ability to break down high-level technical information and present to a non-technical audience. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality and discretion in communications.

• Organize and/or participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences to provide information and hands-on activities and assess and evaluate program effectiveness.

Be prepared to be on location 2-3 days a week performing outreach and/or educational STEM workshops or

• presentations or hands on activities to any given audience.

Post-secondary teaching and research experience. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the Yakama Treaty of 1855, Tribal Resolutions, and laws specific to protection of YN Cultural Resources. Knowledge and experience indicate a sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community, students, and personnel.

Knowledge of and familiarity with the following areas: Indigenous rights, Tribal sovereignty, conservation, environmental protection, natural resources management and social justice issues. Ability to synthesize extensive information from multiple sources into a cohesive written product. Ability to understand tone and style, compose written information that effectively communicates desired message to indented audience(s).

Ability to process and input data efficiently and effectively in an organized manner. Excellent technology skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality around sensitive information. Ability to take detailed and comprehensive notes, including ability to identify takeaways. Knowledge and experience with computers and technology

Knowledge and experience working with different age groups from ages 6-17 and college level adults. Strong communication multitasking skills with staff, members, management, and conservation group partners Skill in excellent communication both orally and written.

• Demonstrated skill and familiarity with grant writing.

Ability to work independently and in a team environment with a diverse group of educators, staff, students, and community members. Ability to organize and monitor members in a safe environment. Ability to monitor and control large groups at a given time. Ability to motivate youth and deal effectively with behavior problems.

Ability to plan and implement quality programs for youth and young adults. Ability to implement, develop and balance indigenous needs using tools, resources, and best practices. Ability to manage change. Ability to walk, sit, stand, talk, hear, use hands to finger, handle objects, tools, or controls. Must remain physically fit enough to keep children safe within the activities and learning environment.

Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to work outdoors in various types of weather conditions. Ability to work independently and a part of a team.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education in any discipline customarily found in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Experience teaching environmental or science education.:

Willingness and ability to co-create with colleagues and welcoming, supportive, safe, affirming, and respectful work and learning environment. Familiarity with public K-12 education system, policy issues, and laws impacting schools and school districts. Must be eligible for and obtain Hanford badge.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a criminal background check. Required to pass a pre-employment background check. Required to pass a pre-employment drug test. Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Preferred Requirements:

Master's degree preferred from an accredited institution of higher education in any discipline customarily found in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.